The Easter holiday is an important time of year for many families, but if you have someone in your family who has dementia, it can be hard to know how to adjust Easter traditions so that everyone involved can still enjoy them.
The holidays and other celebratory times can be tough on loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia because they may not remember previous celebrations that they shared with you. But it’s important not to ignore these special days. Instead, you should find creative ways to celebrate them with your loved one so you can still share in the fun and festivities together even if he or she doesn’t completely understand what’s going on. Here are a few Easter traditions for dementia to make everyone’s holiday a memorable one.
Plant An Easter Garden
You don’t have to have a green thumb to make a garden. All you need is a plan and some time. Look for something your loved one has enjoyed in previous years, like horticulture or gardening books, and then let them help pick out seeds together. They will remember what they used to plant and enjoy, which can motivate them to continue working on it. And because of their condition, they may not remember what happened last year, but they’ll be so excited that you started something new with them again that it will bring back positive memories.
Decorate Easter Eggs
An old-fashioned tradition that your loved one is sure to enjoy! You can customize Easter eggs in numerous ways. Dip your hollowed-out eggs in a colorful dye and watch the color spread. You can also decorate with glitter, paint, and stickers.
Decorate An Easter Egg Tree
If your loved one with dementia enjoys arts and crafts, try making an Easter egg tree. It’s a fun and creative activity. Easter trees can be made in many ways and most of them involve hanging colorful Easter eggs from branches. Get a pack of foam or plastic eggs and some decorations from the craft store. Using a matching colored ribbon, hang the eggs from a live or artificial tree.
Gather Round The Table
While getting together for dinner may seem like an ordinary thing, it could mean a lot more if your loved one has dementia. It is common for families to host a big Easter brunch or dinner with ham as the main dish. It gives families a chance to bond over a meal that includes fun, food, and conversation. Inviting extended relatives will bring generations closer together.
Make Easter Cards
Remembering loved ones and writing to them can help reinforce their memory. Encourage your loved one to get creative by setting out colored paper, markers, and spring-themed stickers. When your loved one has finished making the cards, help to mail them out. It is also possible to deliver the cards in person at an Easter family gathering. Bringing joy to someone else may give your loved one a sense of purpose.
